England answer back in New Jersey
Two losses in Canada had cost England a four-year unbeaten run. On Friday night in New Jersey, the Red Roses hit back hard, beating the USA 55-12 in the WXV Global Series with nine tries to two.
Claudia Moloney-MacDonald was the star, scoring four of them, in the 5th, 13th, 43rd and 48th minutes, and took player of the match. Meg Jones, Mia Venner, Bryony Field, Maddie Feaunati and Sadia Kabeya each added one. Sing and Harrison shared the conversions.
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A competitive first half, then a second-half surge
The Americans stayed in it for the first 40 minutes. Hope Rogers scored in the 24th minute, and Vogel converted. England’s superiority showed after the break, when three tries arrived inside nine minutes. USA prop Mona Tupou was sent to the sin-bin for repeated scrum penalties, which helped England pull clear. Kate Zackary scored a late consolation try for the hosts in the 81st minute.
What was at stake for England
England had lost 24-21 and 31-22 in Canada, their first back-to-back defeats in a decade. The second ended a 41-Test unbeaten run that had lasted four years. Earlier in the series, John Mitchell’s side beat Australia 48-15 and New Zealand 26-19, and drew 26-26 with Canada.
Captain Meg Jones said the group would review the North American tour and wanted to improve. Moloney-MacDonald said the team set out to prove itself after the Canada defeats and attacked from start to finish. USA co-captain Georgie Perris-Redding said the hosts were frustrated at losing control in the second half but proud of their growth.
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